Shoalhaven Hospital: Gareth Ward slams Labor as ‘rude’, ‘silly’ after no invite to sod turning event

State MP Gareth Ward has been left fuming after he received no invite to an event marking construction for a $438m hospital redevelopment, describing the act as “rude” and “silly”.

Gareth Ward has slammed not getting an invitation as “rude, silly and just a bit sad”.

State MP Gareth Ward has been left fuming after he was left out of a ‘sod-turning’ event for the $438m redevelopment of Shoalhaven Hospital, which services his Kiama electorate.

The independent politician called out new Health Minister Ryan Park and South Coast Labor MP Liza Butler for “taking credit for something they had nothing to do with” which had resulted from “his hard work”.

“Liza Butler’s name isn’t even on the glass of her electorate office and she’s trying to take the credit for a project that was funded by the former government and has been in the planning for more than 10 years,” he said. “It’s rude, silly and just a bit sad.”

Mr Ward said he deserved an invite as the hospital serviced his electorate.

“It’s an insult and highly disrespectful of every single one of my constituents who rely on Shoalhaven Hospital for medical needs,” he said.

NSW Health Minister, Ryan Park.

Artist impression of the $438m expansion of Shoalhaven Hospital

The redevelopment will provide new facilities including cardiology, mental health and aged care wards, additional operating theatres, a new emergency department and intensive care unit, as well as greater access to more specialised staff, equipment and technology.

Mr Ward was charged in March 2022 with sexual intercourse without consent, three counts of assault with an act of indecency and common assault. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and will stand trial in April 2024.

The politician, who also was not invited to Thursday’s naming ceremony for the new $700m Shellharbour Hospital, said he did not believe that was the reason he was not invited.

Ms Butler and Mr Park have been contacted for comment.

Originally published as Shoalhaven Hospital: Gareth Ward slams Labor as ‘rude’, ‘silly’ after no invite to sod turning event